Whether they like it or not, the Navarre Raiders will have a target on their backs this year.

After all, they made the deepest playoff run of any area team last year by going 12-2 and making it to the state semifinals, they also did it while matching Navarre's best season in program history.

And although Navarre graduated two of the area's top talents — Michael Carter to the University of North Carolina and Nick Brahms to Auburn — and more than 30 seniors in all, head coach Jay Walls feels that this year's team will carry the typical Navarre "physicality" needed to make the Raiders competitive.

The Raiders' linebacker unit appears to have the ability to lead the defense, as all four starters are returning varsity players. Cade Taylor and Caleb Dale on the inside, and 2016 PNJ Defensive Player of the Year Joshua Carter and Nolan Garrett on the outside.

Intro 0:00-1:45

Pensacola 1:45

Pensacola Catholic 3:30

Northview 5:00

Washington 8:15

Jay 11:30

Milton 13:30

Pace 16:00

Escambia 18:15

Navarre 21:30

Gulf Breeze 24:30

Tate 29:30

West Florida 33:00

Pine Forest 37:00

"Kind of the nucleus of our defense and strength going in right now is our linebackers and that's always a good thing," Walls said. "That was kind of the same thing last year, I think we've got that again."

"Up front (defensive line), we play a lot of guys. W'eve always rotated three or four guys in throughout the game in addition to our starters. Our secondary is a little young but those guys are athletic and improving every day. Every year we expect our defense to play hard, play physical, get guys to the football and tackle."

Offensively, much of the excitement at Navarre surrounds Sage Chambers — a senior quarterback who's played varsity since his sophomore year — who is returning from injury after fracturing his collarbone twice last year.

As a sophomore, he led the team in passing yards (686), completion percentage (59.3) and passing touchdowns (7), though he split time.

FIVE PLAYERS TO WATCH

1. Joshua Carter, Jr., LB: The reigning PNJ defensive player of the year has been making a smooth transition from defensive lineman to linebacker during the summer.

2. Dante Wright, Jr., WR/DB: Navarre's utility player was highly-effective at receiver and defensive back last season. He even kicked for the Raiders.

3. Cade Taylor, Sr., LB/TE: One of two returners to Navarre's linebacker corps. The two-sport athlete and strong tackler is excpected to see playing time as a tight end this year as well.

4. Sage Chambers, Sr., QB: After an optimistic start to his varsity career as a sophomore, injury provided a few speed bumps during his junior campaign. Chambers looks ready to go for his final ride in high school.

5. Darrell Hixon, Sr., OL: The left tackle leads an offensive line full of four-returning starters - the most experienced group on Navarre's offense.